Breathing Exercises Before Lung Transplant Surgery

Plain-English translation of NCT06370832 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether a simple breathing exercise program—called inspiratory muscle training—can help lung transplant candidates prepare their bodies for surgery and recover faster afterward. The study will compare patients who do these twice-daily breathing exercises plus regular exercise training to patients who receive standard care alone. Researchers want to see if strengthening the breathing muscles before surgery reduces complications and hospital time after transplant.

Many lung transplant patients struggle with breathing muscle weakness after surgery, which can lead to longer hospital stays and serious complications. Medical guidelines suggest that breathing exercises before major surgery may help prevent these problems, but this approach hasn't been thoroughly studied in lung transplant patients yet.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old
you are a lung transplant candidate currently on a waiting list
you are already participating in pulmonary rehabilitation (breathing and exercise training)
you have been diagnosed with either interstitial lung disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had a respiratory infection or flare-up in the past month
you have a neurologic or musculoskeletal condition that would prevent you from doing breathing exercises or tests, such as a history of stroke or severe arthritis in your hands
you have had a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) in the past 6 months
you have a cardiac pacemaker or other magnetic/electronic implant in your body
you cannot connect reliably to the internet

What participation looks like

If you are assigned to the breathing exercise group, you would perform two 30-breath breathing sessions daily using a handheld device, plus attend three supervised exercise training sessions per week that include aerobic, strength, and flexibility work. The control group follows standard care with regular exercise training three times per week. Both groups continue this program while waiting for their transplant, and researchers will track your breathing ability, quality of life, and recovery after surgery.

Breathing Exercises Before Lung Transplant Surgery

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(4 sites)